Public Consultation FAQ's

Q: Can you provide information on the size and depth of the new pool/s?

A: The main pool will be 6 lanes, 13m wide x 25m long and 1.00m deep in the shallow end, moving to a 1.8m deep end with a 5.0m long flat shallow end and 3.0m long flat deep end. The teaching pool will be 7m wide x 11.4m long and  0.75m deep in the shallow end, moving to 0.9m deep in the deep end.

Q: What considerations have been made to ensure that the new complex is sustainable and environmentally friendly?

A: The refurbished centre will be an all-electric facility, with works taking place to remove the existing gas boilers and replace them with air source heat pumps. Solar panels will be installed on the roof of the building providing approximately 42 kW of green energy to the centre. Areas of new construction are designed to achieve a high thermal and air-tight performance to reduce heat losses. New LED lighting will also be provided to all new areas of the building.

Q: Are there any alternative provisions for swimming, group classes or gym use while the construction works are taking place?

A: Our other (replace facilities with leisure centres?) in Biddulph, Cheadle and Buxton are hosting an increased number of classes, swimming lessons and club bookings. Our extremely successful group exercise classes will transfer to Birchall Pavilion where a wide range of over 35 classes remain on offer including Zumba, Body Pump, Yoga, Pilates and Indoor Cycle sessions - 

There are a two options open to members:

• Remain on your current membership and have use of Biddulph Valley and South Moorlands leisure centres and have access to the gym, swimming, squash, classes at those sites plus the classes at Birchall Pavilion.  To do this you need to request via www.leisurecentre.com/contactus or speak to a duty manager or the fitness team at Brough Park.
• Take out a new membership at £25 for the Birchall Pavilion classes only.  We are currently working with Lex Leisure to set this up so will update when it's available. However, if you are interested in this, please contact www.leisurecentre.com/contactus or speak to a member of the team at Brough Park.

We understand that change can be unsettling, but are committed to making this transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Our team of dedicated fitness professionals will be on hand at Birchall Pavilion to welcome you and help you find the perfect classes to suit your goals and preferences.

Q: Will you share finalised plans for the site, if so, when?

A: Yes, final plans will be shared once this position has been reached.

Q: What will the new opening times be? Can these be extended from the current provision?

A: Opening times for the new facility have not been finalised yet, but the new facility will be open for same time as the current facility is as a minimum. More details on opening times will be available as the project progresses.

Q: Can you provide information on the size of the gym, the level of equipment and whether accessible equipment will be included?

A: The current gym at Brough Park is approximately 290 square metres in size. The improved facilities will increase this to approximately 340 square metres. The type of equipment is still being finalised but will include a range of accessible equipment that can be used by different abilities. We will provide more information on this when it becomes available.

Q: Where will group classes be held? Will there be specialist spaces?

A: Group exercise spaces will be expanded by approximately 230 square metres to include a second group exercise studio and specialist group cycling/spin room. The current group exercise studio will also be retained.

Q: Where will the café be situated, how big will it be and what amenities will it provide?

A: Café facilities will be situated in the new reception area and provide a central hub for people using the indoor and outdoor facilities at Brough Park. The indoor café space, which will overlook both pools, will cater for approximately 60 seated together with a 'grab and go' offering of drinks and snacks. There will also be additional seating of around 24 seated for people accessing the adventure/soft play. Additionally, a party area with seating will be provided within a separate dedicated space inside the soft play area.

The design of outdoor space is still being developed - suggestions received during the consultation period are being used to inform this. There is likely to be further outdoor café/social seating provided as part of this design and we will be sharing further information on this in due course.  

Q: Will there be bike locking facilities?

A: Facilities to encourage people to visit the new facility by alternative modes of transport including bikes are currently being considered as part of the design for the outdoor spaces and we will be sharing further information on this in due course.

Q: Where can I park and how many spaces will there be?

A: Whilst we want to encourage people to travel to the facility in a more sustainable way, we appreciate that current car parking provision needs to be expanded to meet planning requirements. An additional 12 spaces will be provided as part of the improvement project, taking total the total number of bays from 107 to 119. An additional 2 disabled bays and 6 electrical vehicle charging bays will be included as part of this overall increase.